Cartons with dispenser sections

ABSTRACT

A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel comprising a first lower side panel and a first upper side panel, a second side panel comprising a second lower side panel and a second upper side panel, a top panel, a first end panel, and a second end panel. A dispenser pattern defines a dispenser section at least in the first upper side panel, the top panel, the second upper side panel, and one of the first end panel and the second end panel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/374,738, filed Mar. 14, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/661,546, filed Mar. 14, 2005.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/374,738,filed Mar. 14, 2006, and US. Provisional Application No. 60/661,546,filed on Mar. 14, 2005, are hereby incorporated by reference as ifpresented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Enclosed cartons with dispensing features have been used in the past.Many such cartons allow for the creation of dispenser openings byproviding dispenser portions demarcated by tear lines. The dispenserportions can be wholly or partially separated from the carton to createan opening from which articles can be removed from the carton. Manyconventional dispenser openings, however, provide insufficient access tocontainers accommodated within the carton. Other dispenser openings mayprovide sufficient access to containers within a carton, but thesections of the carton removed during opening of the dispenser portioncompromise the structural integrity of the carton.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a carton comprisesa bottom panel, a top panel, first and second side panels, and first andsecond end panels. A dispenser section is formed in the carton such thatwhen the dispenser section is opened, a dispenser opening is formed atleast in an upper portion of one side panel, the top panel, and an upperportion of a second side panel. Articles stored in the carton can bedispensed from the dispenser opening.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, when the dispenser section isopened, the opening provides easy access to containers or other articlesaccommodated within the carton. The end panels of the carton can remainintact after opening of the dispensing feature to allow easy carrying ofthe opened carton by handle apertures disposed in the end panels.Portions or substantially all of the upper portions of the side panelscan be removed during opening to provide access to the articles fromeither one or both sides of the carton.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a dispensersection is formed in a carton such that when the dispenser section isopened, a dispenser opening is formed in at least a portion of a firstside panel, a top panel, a second side panel, and an end panel.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, the portion of the top panelof the carton removed during opening can be selected to provide accessto a desired number of articles in the opened carton. The dispenseropening can extend down into the side panels to allow access from thesides of the carton, and can also extend into the end panel to allowaccess from the opened carton end. The sides and end of the openedcarton can be sufficiently high to retain a high degree of structuralrigidity for the carton. Handles can be formed in the carton ends thatallow the carton to be carried after opening of the carton.

Other aspects, features, and details of the present invention can bemore completely understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with thedrawings and from the appended claims.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton having a dispensersection according to a first embodiment of the invention is formed.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a folded and glued blank from which the firstcarton embodiment is formed.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the first carton embodiment partially erectedand filled with containers.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one side of the first cartonembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates the opposite side of the first carton embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates the side of the carton opposite to that shown in FIG.5.

FIG. 7 illustrates opening of the first carton embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the opened first carton embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton having a dispensersection according to a second embodiment of the invention is formed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing one side of the second cartonembodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates the opposite side of the second carton embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates one side of the second carton embodiment afteropening of the carton.

FIG. 13 illustrates the opposite side of the opened second cartonembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton having a dispensersection according to a third embodiment of the invention is formed.

FIG. 15 illustrates one side of the third carton embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates the opposite side of the third carton embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates use of a handle carrying feature of the third cartonembodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates the third carton embodiment after opening of thecarton.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton having a dispensersection according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is formed.

FIG. 20 illustrates one side of the fourth carton embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates the fourth carton embodiment after opening.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton having a dispensersection according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is formed.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the fifth carton embodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates one side of the fifth carton embodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates opening of the fifth carton embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an end view of the fifth carton embodiment after opening andwith the dispenser section hingedly attached.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the fifth carton embodiment afteropening.

FIG. 28 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton having a dispensersection according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is formed.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing one side of the sixth cartonembodiment.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the sixth carton embodiment afteropening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to opening and dispensingfeatures for cartons that contain articles such as containers, bottles,cans, etc. The articles can be used for packaging food and beverageproducts, for example. The articles can be made from materials suitablein composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, andthe materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum and/or othermetals; glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC,EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or any combination thereof.

Cartons according to the present invention can accommodate articles ofany shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose oflimiting the scope of the invention, the following detailed descriptiondescribes beverage containers (e.g., glass beverage bottles) as disposedwithin the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,”“bottom,” “upper” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relationto fully erected and upright cartons.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, illustrated by FIGS.1-8, a dispenser opening is created in a carton 90 (illustrated in FIG.4) by removing or at least partially separating an upper portion of afirst side panel 20, a top panel 30, and an upper portion of a secondside panel 40 of the carton 90. End panels 92, 94 of the carton 90 mayremain intact to allow easy carrying of the opened carton by handlesdisposed in the end panels. When opened, the carton 90 provides easyaccess to articles from the top and from either side of the carton.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank 8 used to form the carton 90(illustrated in FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment of theinvention. The blank 8 can be symmetric or partially symmetric about alongitudinal centerline C_(L) and about a transverse centerline C_(T).Therefore, certain elements in the drawing figures have similar oridentical reference numerals in order to reflect the whole or partiallongitudinal and/or transverse symmetries. As shown in FIG. 1, the blank8 comprises a glue flap 14 foldably connected to a rectangular bottompanel 10 at a first transverse fold line 16. The bottom panel 10 isfoldably connected to the first side panel 20 at a second transversefold line 21, the top panel 30 is foldably connected to the first sidepanel 20 at a third transverse fold line 31, and the second side panel40 is foldably connected to the top panel 30 at a fourth transverse foldline 41. Oppositely disposed bottom end flaps 12 are foldably connectedto the bottom panel 10 at longitudinal fold lines 15. Oppositelydisposed top end flaps 32 are foldably connected to the top panel 30 atlongitudinal fold lines 74, 78. Circular handle apertures 34 can beincluded in the top end flaps 32.

The first side panel 20 comprises a first upper side panel 24 and afirst lower side panel 22 foldably connected at a transverse fold line72 which may be partially interrupted at a section 86. Oppositelydisposed end flaps 28 are foldably connected to the first upper sidepanel 24 at the longitudinal fold lines 74, 78. Similarly, oppositelydisposed end flaps 26 are foldably connected to the first lower sidepanel 22 at oblique fold lines 54. The second side panel 40 can comprisea second upper side panel 44 and a second lower side panel 42 foldablyconnected at a transverse fold line 76. Oppositely disposed end flaps 48are foldably connected to the second upper side panel 44 at thelongitudinal fold lines 74, 78. Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps46 are foldably connected to the second lower side panel 42 at theoblique fold lines 54. The longitudinal fold lines 15, 74, 78 and theoblique fold lines 54 may be straight fold lines, or may be offset atone or more locations to account for, for example, blank thickness.

The blank 8 includes four diamond corners 50. Two are formed in thefirst upper side panel 24, the first lower side panel 22, and the endflaps 26, 28; these two diamond corners 50 are located at opposite endsof the first side panel 20. Similarly, two diamond corners 50 are formedin the second upper side panel 44, the second lower side panel 42, andthe end flaps 46, 48; these two diamond corners 50 are located atopposite ends of the second side panel 40. At each of these locations,the diamond corners 50 are defined in part by transverse fold lines 58,60, V-shaped fold lines 52, 56, and the oblique fold line 54.

According to one aspect of this embodiment, a dispenser pattern 70formed in the blank 8 defines a dispenser section 71. The dispenserpattern 70 can generally comprise a pattern of lines of disruption inthe blank 8 that allow the dispenser section 71 to remain hingedlyattached or to be completely removed from the carton 90 (FIG. 4). Thedispenser pattern 70 may comprise, for example, tear lines that extendalong the transverse fold lines 72, 76 and the longitudinal fold lines74, 78. The dispenser pattern 70 may also define an opening section orflap 75 within the dispenser section 71. The opening flap 75 is locatedin the first upper side panel 24 adjacent to the lower side panel 22.The opening flap 75 may be defined by a curved opening line 80, aV-shaped opening line 82, an inverted T-shaped opening line 84, and thesection 86 of the transverse fold line 72. The tear line in thetransverse fold line 72 extends across the length of the first sidepanel 20 and the tear line in the transverse fold line 76 extends acrossthe length of the second side panel 40. A trapezoidal panel 88 can bedefined in the opening flap 75 adjacent to the section 86 of thetransverse fold line 72.

The lines that comprise the opening flap 75 can be lines of disruptiondesigned to provide easy access or entry into the opening flap 75. Forexample, the lines 84 can be tear lines designed to break upon pressingon the opening flap 75. The lines 80, 82 and 86 can be lines designed toflex or deform upon pressing on the opening flap 75, which allows a userto obtain a firm grasp on the flap 75. In the illustrated embodiment,the opening line 84 is a cut/space line, and the lines 80, 82, 86 arecut/crease lines.

An exemplary method of erection of the carton 90 from the blank 8 willnow be discussed with reference to FIGS. 2-5. FIG. 2 illustrates theblank 8 in a partially erected state with the print side or exteriorside of the blank 8 facing out. The blank 8 is folded 180° about thetransverse fold line 72, and the second lower side panel 42 also isfolded 180° about the transverse fold line 76. The second lower sidepanel 42 overlaps the glue flap 14 and is adjacent the bottom panel 10.Referring also to FIG. 1, the second lower side panel 42 is adhered orsecured to the glue flap 14 by glue, adhesive, or other means knownwithin the art.

FIG. 3 illustrates the blank 8 of FIG. 2 opened into a partiallyassembled carton loaded with containers C arranged in a 2×6 orientation.Articles such as, for example, the containers C may be loaded into thepartially assembled carton in a conventional manner at any time beforeone or both ends of the carton are closed by the end flaps 12, 26, 28,32, 46, 48.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one side of the erected carton 90. FIG.5 is a front elevational view of the opposite side of the erected carton90. Referring also to FIG. 3, the ends of the carton 90 may be formed byfolding inwardly and gluing or otherwise adhering the end flaps 12, 26,28, 32, 46, 48 to form the first end panel 92 and the second end panel94 at first and second ends of the carton 90, respectively. FIG. 4illustrates the location of the dispenser pattern 70 including theopening flap 75 on the first side panel 20 of the erected carton 90.FIG. 5 illustrates the second side panel 40 and the tear lines of thedispenser pattern 70 that extend along the transverse fold line 76 andthe fold lines 74, 78.

FIG. 6 illustrates the opening flap 75 of the dispenser section 71 indetail. The curved opening line 80 defines an upper perimeter of theopening flap 75, and can extend across a significant portion of thewidth of the carton 90. The transverse fold line 72 defines a lower edgeof the opening flap 75. The V-shaped opening line 82, the invertedT-shaped opening line 84 and the section 86 define the trapezoidal panel88.

One exemplary method of opening of the carton 90 will now be discussedwith reference to FIGS. 6-8. Referring to FIG. 6, a user can breach oneor more of lines 80, 82, 84, 72, optionally including the section 86 ofthe transverse fold line 72, in the opening flap 75 with his fingers inorder to obtain a grasp of the dispenser section 71. In the exemplaryembodiment, the opening flap 75 is primarily breached at the openingline 84, although other lines of the opening flap 75 may be torn tovarying degrees. If the section 86 of the transverse fold line 72 istorn completely when the opening flap 75 is breached, the trapezoidalpanel 88 will separate with the dispenser section 71. Otherwise, thetrapezoidal panel 88 can remain attached to the first lower side panel22.

Referring to FIG. 7, after the opening flap 75 has been breached, thedispenser section 71 is pulled vertically away from the first lower sidepanel 22, and the carton 90 tears open along the dispenser pattern 70.That is, the first upper side panel 24 is torn away from the first lowerside panel 22 along the transverse fold line 72, and the section 86 ifapplicable. Once the fold line 72 is torn across the length of thecarton 90, the first upper side panel 24 may be pulled vertically alongthe longitudinal fold lines 74, 78 to disengage the first upper sidepanel 24 from the first end panel 92 and the second end panel 94,respectively. Opening along the dispenser pattern 70 continues along thelongitudinal fold lines 74, 78 as the top panel 30 and then the secondupper side panel 44 are torn away from the first and second end panels92, 94. Once the transverse fold line 76 is reached, the dispensersection 71 can be left to remain hingedly attached to the carton 90 (notshown). Alternatively, the second upper side panel 44 of the dispensersection 71 may be pulled horizontally, removing the dispenser section 71from the remainder of the carton 90 along the upper edge of the secondlower side panel 42.

FIG. 8 illustrates the opened carton 90 with the dispenser section 71completely removed from the remainder of the carton 90. The openedcarton 90 allows access to and visibility of the containers C from bothsides and from the top of the carton 90. The first and second end panels92, 94 of the carton 90 remain to allow easy carrying of the openedcarton 90 by the handles 34 disposed in the end panels. The first cartonembodiment can be, for example, stored inside a refrigerator, andprovides easy access to, for example, glass or plastic beverage bottles.The exemplary 2×6 container configuration generally will allow thecarton 90 to be placed and stored in a door shelf of a refrigerator, ifdesired. Optionally, the carton 90 can be placed on another shelf in therefrigerator or on another surface, where the carton provides easyaccess to articles from either side and/or from the top of the carton.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, illustrated by FIGS.9-13, a dispenser opening is created in a carton 190 by removing or atleast partially separating a section of a second side panel 140, a toppanel 130, and an upper portion of a first side panel 120 of the carton190. The section of the second side panel 140 that remains with thecarton 190 provides additional stability to the carton. When opened, thecarton 190 provides easy access to articles from the top and the openside of the carton.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank 108 used to form the carton 190(illustrated in FIG. 10) according to the second embodiment of theinvention. The blank 108 can be symmetric or partially symmetric about alongitudinal centerline C_(L) and about a transverse centerline C_(T).Therefore, certain elements in the drawing figures have similar oridentical reference numerals in order to reflect the whole or partiallongitudinal and/or transverse symmetries. As shown in FIG. 9, the blank108 comprises a glue flap 114 foldably connected to a rectangular bottompanel 110 at a first transverse fold line 116. The bottom panel 110 isfoldably connected to the first side panel 120 at a second transversefold line 121, the top panel 130 is foldably connected to the first sidepanel 120 at a third transverse fold line 131, and the second side panel140 is foldably connected to the top panel 130 at a fourth transversefold line 141. Oppositely disposed bottom end flaps 112 are foldablyconnected to the bottom panel 110 at longitudinal fold lines 115.Oppositely disposed top end flaps 132 are foldably connected to the toppanel 130 at longitudinal fold lines 174, 178. Circular handle apertures134 can be included in the top end flaps 132.

The first side panel 120 can comprise a first upper side panel 124 and afirst lower side panel 122 foldably connected at a transverse fold line172. Oppositely disposed end flaps 128 are foldably connected to thefirst upper side panel 124 at the longitudinal fold lines 174, 178.Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps 126 are foldably connected tothe first lower side panel 122 at oblique fold lines 154. The secondside panel 140 can comprise a second upper side panel 144 and a secondlower side panel 142 foldably connected at a transverse fold line 143.Oppositely disposed end flaps 148 are foldably connected to the secondupper side panel 144 at the oblique fold lines 154. Similarly,oppositely disposed end flaps 146 are foldably connected to the secondlower side panel 142 at the oblique fold lines 154. The longitudinalfold lines 115, 174, 178 and the oblique fold lines 154 may be straightfold lines, or may be offset at one or more locations to account for,for example, blank thickness.

The blank 108 includes four diamond corners 150. Two are formed in thefirst upper side panel 124, the first lower side panel 122, and the endflaps 126, 128; these two diamond corners 150 are located at oppositeends of the first side panel 120. Similarly, two diamond corners 150 areformed in the second upper side panel 144, the second lower side panel142, and the end flaps 146, 148; these two diamond corners 150 arelocated at opposite ends of the second side panel 140. At each of theselocations, the diamond corners 150 are defined in part by transversefold lines 158, 160, V-shaped fold lines 152, 156, and the oblique foldlines 154.

According to one aspect of the second embodiment, a dispenser pattern170 formed in the blank 108 defines a dispenser section 171. Thedispenser pattern 170 can generally comprise a pattern of lines ofdisruption in the blank 108 that allow the dispenser section 171 toremain hingedly attached to or to be completely removed from the carton(illustrated in FIG. 10). The dispenser pattern 170 may comprise, forexample, tear lines that extend along the transverse fold line 172 andthe longitudinal fold lines 174, 178. The dispenser pattern 170 alsodefines an opening section or flap 175 within the dispenser section 171.The opening flap 175 is located near the top of the second upper sidepanel 144 adjacent to the top panel 130. The opening flap 175 may bedefined by oblique opening lines 180, a curved opening line 182, aV-shaped opening line 183, and a T-shaped opening line 184.

The lines that comprise the opening flap 175 can be lines of disruptiondesigned to provide easy access or entry into the opening flap 175. Forexample, the line 184 can be a tear line designed to break upon pressingon the opening flap 175. The lines 182, 183 can be lines designed toflex or deform upon pressing and breaching the opening flap 175, whichallows a user to obtain a film grasp on the opening flap 175. Theoblique opening lines 180 may be tear lines that allow the dispensersection 171 to initially tear along the second side panel 140.

The exemplary method discussed above for erecting the carton 90 of thefirst embodiment from the blank 8 can be employed to erect the carton190 of the second embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 9-11, the methodfor erecting the carton 190 from the blank 108 can be summarized asfollows: With the print or exterior side of the blank 108 facing out,the blank 108 is folded 180° about the transverse fold line 172, and thesecond lower side panel 142 also is folded 180° about the transversefold line 143. The second lower side panel 142 overlaps the glue flap114 and is adjacent the bottom panel 110. The second lower side panel142 is adhered or otherwise secured to the glue flap 114 by glue,adhesive, or other means known within the art.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one side of the erected carton 190, andFIG. 11 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the carton 190.The carton 190 is filled with containers C (not visible in FIGS. 10 and11) arranged in a 2×6 orientation. The ends of the carton 190 may beclosed by folding inwardly and gluing or otherwise adhering the endflaps 112, 126, 128, 132, 146, 148 (illustrated in FIG. 9) to form afirst end panel 192 and a second end panel 194 at each end of the carton190. Articles may be loaded into the partially assembled carton in aconventional manner at any time before one or both ends of the carton190 are closed by the end flaps 112, 126, 128, 132, 146, 148.

Referring to FIG. 10, the tear lines of the pattern 170 extend along thetransverse fold line 172, which is located in the first side panel 120.FIG. 11 is a view of the opposite side of carton 190, and illustratesthe location of the opening flap 175 near the top of the second upperside panel 144. The bottom edge of the opening flap 175 is defined bythe oblique opening lines 180 and the T-shaped line 184.

An exemplary method of opening of the carton 190 will now be discussedwith reference to FIGS. 10-12. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a user canbreach one or more of the lines 182, 183, 184 in the opening flap 175with his fingers in order to grasp the dispenser section 171. After theopening flap 175 has been breached, the dispenser section 171 is tornvertically away from the second upper side panel 144 along the obliqueopening tear lines 180. Opening along the dispenser pattern 170continues along the tear lines in the longitudinal fold lines 174, 178as the top panel 130 and the first upper side panel 124 are separatedfrom the first and second end panels 192, 194. Once the transverse foldline 172 is reached, the dispenser section 171 can remain hingedlyattached to the carton 190 (not illustrated). Alternatively, the firstupper side panel 124 of the disperser section 171 may be pulledhorizontally, removing the dispenser section 171 from the first lowerside panel 122 and the carton 190, as shown in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate the opened carton 190 with the dispenser section171 removed. From the open or dispensing side of the carton 190 shown inFIG. 12, the containers C are readily accessible above the first lowerside panel 122. FIG. 13 illustrates the opposite side of the carton 190,where the second upper side panel 144 remains intact up to the loweredge of the removed opening flap 175.

After the dispenser section 171 is removed, the carton 190 allows bothvisibility of the containers C and easy access to the containers C, fromthe open side and from the top of the carton 190. The section of thesecond side panel 140 that remains with the carton 190 providesadditional stability to the carton 190. The end panels 192, 194 of thecarton 190 may remain to allow easy carrying of the opened carton 190 bythe handles 134. The carton 190 can be stored inside a refrigerator, forexample, and provides easy access to, for example, glass or plasticbeverage bottles. According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the2×6 configuration generally will allow the carton 190 to be stored in adoor shelf of a refrigerator, if desired.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, illustrated by FIGS.14-18, a dispenser opening is created in a carton 290 by removing or atleast partially separating an upper portion of a first side panel 220, atop panel 230, and an upper portion of a second side panel 240 of thecarton 290. When opened, the carton 290 provides easy access to articlesfrom the top and from either side of the carton.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a blank 208 used to form the carton 290(illustrated in FIG. 15) according to the third embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 14, the blank 208 comprises a glue flap 214which is foldably connected to a rectangular bottom panel 210 at a firsttransverse fold line 216. The bottom panel 210 is foldably connected tothe first side panel 220 at a second transverse fold line 221, the toppanel 230 is foldably connected to the first side panel 220 at a thirdtransverse fold line 231, and the second side panel 240 is foldablyconnected to the top panel 230 at a fourth transverse fold line 241.Oppositely disposed bottom end flaps 212 are foldably connected to thebottom panel 210 at longitudinal fold lines 215. Oppositely disposed topend flaps 232 are foldably connected to the top panel 230 atlongitudinal fold lines 274, 278. Handle apertures 234 can be includedin the top end flaps 232. The top panel 230 also can comprise a firstside top panel 236 and a second side top panel 238 foldably connected ata transverse fold line 237.

The first side panel 220 can comprise a first upper side panel 224 and afirst lower side panel 222 foldably connected at a transverse fold line272 which has a section 286. Oppositely disposed end flaps 228 arefoldably connected to the first upper side panel 224 at the longitudinalfold lines 274, 278. Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps 226 arefoldably connected to the first lower side panel 222 at oblique foldlines 254. The second side panel 240 can comprise a second upper sidepanel 244 and a second lower side panel 242 foldably connected at atransverse fold line 276. Oppositely disposed end flaps 248 are foldablyconnected to the second upper side panel 244 at the longitudinal foldlines 274, 278. Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps 246 arefoldably connected to the second lower side panel 242 at the obliquefold lines 254. The longitudinal fold lines 215, 274, 278 and theoblique fold lines 254 may be straight fold lines, or may be offset atone or more locations to account for, for example, blank thickness.

The blank 208 includes four diamond corners 250. Two are formed in thefirst upper side panel 224, the first lower side panel 222, and the endflaps 226, 228; these two diamond corners 250 are located at oppositeends of the first side panel 220. Similarly, two diamond corners 250 areformed in the second upper side panel 244, the second lower side panel242, and the end flaps 246, 248; these two diamond corners 250 arelocated at opposite ends of the second side panel 240. At each of theselocations, the diamond corners 250 are defined in part by transversefold lines 258, 260, V-shaped fold lines 252, 256, and the oblique foldline 254.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a dispenser pattern270 formed in the blank 208 defines a dispenser section 271. Thedispenser pattern 270 can generally comprise a pattern of lines ofdisruption in the blank 208 that allow the dispenser section 271 toremain hingedly attached or to be completely removed from the carton 290(illustrated in FIG. 15). The dispenser pattern 270 may comprise, forexample, tear lines that extend along the transverse fold lines 272, 276and the longitudinal fold lines 274, 278. The dispenser pattern 270 alsodefines an opening section or flap 275 within the dispenser section 271.The opening flap 275 is located in the first upper side panel 224adjacent to the lower side panel 222, and can be generally similar inshape, construction and function to the opening flap 75 illustrated inFIG. 1. The opening flap 275 may be defined by a curved opening line280, a V-shaped opening line 282, an inverted T-shaped opening line 284,and the section 286 of the transverse fold line 272. The tear line inthe transverse fold line 272 extends across the length of the first sidepanel 220, and the tear line in the transverse fold line 276 extendsacross the length of the second side panel 240. A trapezoidal panel 288can be defined in the opening flap 275 adjacent to the section 286 ofthe transverse fold line 272.

The exemplary methods for erecting cartons discussed above can also beemployed to erect the carton 290. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate oppositesides of the fully erected carton 290. In this embodiment, thecontainers C (not visible in FIGS. 15 and 16) are arranged in a 3×4orientation, although other configurations can be used. Referring toFIG. 15, the transverse fold line 276 extends through the second sidepanel 240 and the longitudinal fold lines 274, 278 are adjacent to endpanels 292, 294, respectively. Referring to FIG. 16, the opening flap275 extends across a significant portion of the length of the first sidepanel 220 to allow for easy opening of the dispenser section 271. One ofthe handle apertures 234 is located in the second end panel 294; thecorresponding handle aperture 234 (not visible in FIGS. 15-16) islocated in the first end panel 292. FIG. 17 illustrates use of thehandle apertures 234 to carry the carton 290.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 18, a user typically opens the dispensersection 271 along the dispenser pattern 270. The user initiates openingof the dispenser section 271 by breaching the opening flap 275 andpulling the dispenser section 271 away from the remainder of the carton290. The dispenser section 271 can remain hingedly attached to thecarton 290 or be completely removed from the carton 290 as shown in FIG.18.

FIG. 18 illustrates the opened carton 290 with the dispenser section 271removed. The opened carton 290 allows access to and visibility of thecontainers C from both sides and from the top of the carton 290. The endpanels 292, 294 remain to allow for easy carrying of the opened carton290 by the handles 234 disposed in the end panels. The carton 290 can bestored inside a refrigerator, and provides easy access to, for example,glass or plastic beverage bottles.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, illustrated by FIGS.19-21, a dispenser opening is created in a carton 390 by removing or atleast partially separating a section of a second side panel 340, a toppanel 330, and an upper portion of a first side panel 320 of the carton390. The section of the second side panel 340 that remains with thecarton 390 provides additional stability to the carton. When opened, thecarton 390 provides easy access to articles from top and the open sideof the carton.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a blank 308 used to form the carton 390 (FIG.20) according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 19, the blank 308 comprises a glue flap 314 foldably connected to arectangular bottom panel 310 at a first transverse fold line 316. Thebottom panel 310 is foldably connected to the first side panel 320 at asecond transverse fold line 321, the top panel 330 is foldably connectedto the first side panel 320 at a third transverse fold line 331, and thesecond side panel 340 is foldably connected to the top panel 330 at afourth transverse fold line 341. Oppositely disposed bottom end flaps312 are foldably connected to the bottom panel 310 at longitudinal foldlines 315. Oppositely disposed top end flaps 332 are foldably connectedto the top panel 330 at longitudinal fold lines 374, 378. Handleapertures 334 can be included in the top end flaps 332. The top panel330 also can comprise a first side top panel 336 and a second side toppanel 338 foldably connected at a transverse fold line 337.

The first side panel 320 can comprise a first upper side panel 324 and afirst lower side panel 322 foldably connected at a transverse fold line372. Oppositely disposed end flaps 328 are foldably connected to thefirst upper side panel 324 at the longitudinal fold lines 374, 378.Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps 326 are foldably connected tothe first lower side panel 322 at oblique fold lines 354. The secondside panel 340 can comprise a second upper side panel 344 and a secondlower side panel 342 foldably connected at a transverse fold line 343.Oppositely disposed end flaps 348 are foldably connected to the secondupper side panel 344 at the oblique fold lines 354. Similarly,oppositely disposed end flaps 346 are foldably connected to the secondlower side panel 342 at the oblique fold lines 354. The longitudinalfold lines 315, 374, 378 and the oblique fold lines 354 may be straightfold lines, or may be offset at one or more locations to account for,for example, blank thickness.

The blank 308 includes four diamond corners 350. Two are formed in thefirst upper side panel 324, the first lower side panel 322, and the endflaps 326, 328; these two diamond corners 350 are located at oppositeends of the first side panel 320. Similarly, two diamond corners 350 areformed in the second upper side panel 344, the second lower side panel342, and the end flaps 346, 348; these two diamond corners 350 arelocated at opposite ends of the second side panel 340. At each of theselocations, the diamond corners 350 are defined in part by transversefold lines 358, 360, V-shaped fold lines 352, 356, and the oblique foldline 354.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a dispenser pattern370 formed in the blank 308 defines a dispenser section 371. Thedispenser pattern 370 can be generally similar in shape, constructionand function to the dispenser pattern 170 illustrated in FIG. 9, andgenerally comprises a pattern of lines of disruption in the blank 308that allow the dispenser section 371 to remain hingedly attached to orto be completely removed from the carton 390 (illustrated in FIG. 20).An opening section or flap 375 in the section 371 is defined by obliqueopening lines 380, a curved opening line 382, a V-shaped opening line383, and a T-shaped opening line 384.

The exemplary methods discussed above for erecting cartons can also beemployed to erect the carton 390. FIG. 20 illustrates the fully erectedcarton 390 filled with containers C (not visible) in a 3×4 orientation.The erected carton 390 has a first end panel 392 and a second end panel394 formed from the end flaps illustrated in FIG. 19. The opening flap375 is located at the top of the second upper side panel 344, andextends across a substantial portion of the width of the side panel 340to allow for easy opening of the dispenser section 371. A user canbreach one or more of the lines 382, 383, 384 of the opening flap 375 inorder to grasp the dispenser section 371. The dispenser section 371 maythen be torn along the dispenser pattern 370 and removed from the carton390.

FIG. 21 illustrates the opened carton 390. The carton 390 is open on oneside above the first lower side panel 322. At the other side of thecarton 390, the second upper side panel 344 may remain intact up to theoblique opening line 380. After opening, the carton 390 allows bothvisibility and easy access to the containers C from the open side andfrom the top of the carton 390. The section of the second side panel 340that remains with the carton 390 provides additional stability to thecarton 390.

The lengths of the opening flaps in the cartons 90, 190, 290, 390illustrated in FIGS. 1-21, as measured along the side panels, can beselected to provide ease of opening of the dispenser sections. In thecartons 190, 390 shown in FIGS. 11 and 20, respectively, the openingflaps span essentially the entire lengths of the cartons 190, 390. Theexemplary opening flaps 75, 275 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 16,respectively, span about ½ to about ¾ of the length of the cartons 90,290. In general, the ratio of the length of an opening flap to theoverall length of its carton can range from about 0.4 to 1. In anotheraspect of the present invention, the ratio of the length of the openingflap to the length of the carton can range from about 0.6 to 1. In yetanother aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the length of theopening flap to the length of the carton can range from about 0.8 to 1.

According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, illustrated by FIGS.22-27, a dispenser opening is created in a carton 490 by removing or atleast partially separating a section of both a first side panel 420 anda second side panel 440, and portions of both one end panel 492 and atop panel 430 of the carton 490. The dispenser section can remainhingedly attached to the carton 490 or be completely removed from thecarton. A portion of the first end panel 492 and a second end panel 494of the carton 490 may remain substantially intact to allow easy carryingof the opened carton by handle apertures 418 disposed in the end panels.When opened, the carton 490 provides easy access to articles from thetop, both sides, and one end of the carton.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a blank 408 used to form the carton 490(illustrated in FIG. 23). The blank 408 can be symmetric or partiallysymmetric about a longitudinal centerline C_(L) and about a transversecenterline C_(T). Therefore, certain elements in the drawing figureshave similar or identical reference numerals in order to reflect thewhole or partial longitudinal and transverse symmetries. As shown inFIG. 22, the blank 408 comprises a glue flap 414 which is foldablyconnected to a rectangular bottom panel 410 at a first transverse foldline 416. The bottom panel 410 is foldably connected to the first sidepanel 420 at a second transverse fold line 421, the top panel 430 isfoldably connected to the first side panel 420 at a third transversefold line 431, and the second side panel 440 is foldably connected tothe top panel 430 at a fourth transverse fold line 441. Oppositelydisposed bottom end flaps 412 are foldably connected to the bottom panel410 at longitudinal fold lines 415. Oppositely disposed top end flaps432, 433 are foldably connected to the top panel 430 at longitudinalfold lines 435. The handle apertures 418 can be included in the bottomend flaps 412.

The first side panel 420 can comprise a first upper side panel 424 and afirst lower side panel 422 foldably connected at a transverse fold line423. Oppositely disposed end flaps 428 and 429 are foldably connected tothe first upper side panel 424 at fold lines 454 and 427, respectively.Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps 426 are foldably connected tothe first lower side panel 422 at the oblique fold lines 454. The secondside panel 440 can comprise a second upper side panel 444 and a secondlower side panel 442 foldably connected at a transverse fold line 443.Oppositely disposed end flaps 448 and 449 are foldably connected to thesecond upper side panel 444 at fold lines 454 and 447, respectively.Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps 446 are foldably connected tothe second lower side panel 442 at the oblique fold lines 454. Thelongitudinal fold lines 415, 435 and the fold lines 454, 447, 427 may bestraight fold lines, or may be offset at one or more locations toaccount for, for example, blank thickness.

The blank 408 includes four diamond corners 450. Two are formed in thefirst upper side panel 424, the first lower side panel 422, and the endflaps 426, 428, 429; these two diamond corners 450 are located atopposite ends of the first side panel 420. Similarly, two diamondcorners 450 are formed in the second upper side panel 444, the secondlower side panel 442, and the end flaps 446, 448, 449; these two diamondcorners 450 are located at opposite ends of the second side panel 440.At each of these locations, the diamond corners 450 are defined in partby transverse fold lines 458, 460, V-shaped fold lines 452, 456, and theoblique fold line 454.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a dispenser pattern470 formed in the blank 408 defines a dispenser section 477. Thedispenser pattern 470 can generally comprise a pattern of lines ofdisruption in the blank 408 that allow the dispenser section 477 toremain hingedly attached or be completely removed from the carton 490(illustrated in FIG. 23). The dispenser pattern 470 comprises tear lines472, 474, 476, 479, 480 and a crease line 481 and further defines anopening section or flap 475 within the dispenser section 477. Theoblique tear lines 472 are located in the first upper side panel 424 andthe second upper side panel 444. The longitudinal tear line 476 ispositioned in the top panel 430 and connects the oblique tear lines 472.The tear lines 474 are located in the end flaps 429, 449 and conformgenerally to the semi-circular line 480 and the oblique tear lines 479when the end panels are formed. The opening flap 475 is located in thetop end flap 433 and comprises the semi-circular opening tear line 480,the oblique opening tear lines 479, and the T-shaped opening crease line481.

For a carton with a length L_(C), the length of the dispenser sectionL_(D), or, in other words, the distance that the dispenser section 477extends into the top panel 430, may be measured by the distance betweenthe longitudinal tear line 476 and the longitudinal fold line 435.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of one side of the carton 490 erected fromthe blank 408, and FIG. 24 is a side view of the same side of theerected carton 490. The exemplary carton 490 is filled with containers C(not visible in FIGS. 23 and 24) in a 2×6 orientation. The first endpanel 492 and the second end panel 494 are formed at opposite ends ofthe carton 490 by adhering the end flaps (illustrated in FIG. 22)together. The dispenser section 477 extends across the top panel 430,the side panels 420, 440, and the end panel 492. The opening flap 475,the tear lines 474, the curved tear line 480, the crease line 481, andthe oblique tear lines 479 are located in the first end panel 492. Theoblique tear line 472 is located in the first upper side panel 424; asimilar oblique tear line 472 is located in the second upper side panel444 (illustrated in FIG. 22).

FIG. 24 illustrates the relationship of the length L_(D) of thedispenser section 477 to the length L_(C) of the carton 490, and adispenser section angle αD defined by the oblique lines 472 measuredwith respect to the plane of the top panel 430. According to one aspectof the embodiment, the ratio of the length of the dispenser sectionL_(D) to the length of the carton L_(C), and the dispenser section angleαD, may be selected to provide access to a selected number of containersC within the carton 490 (illustrated in FIG. 27). In the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22-27, the ratio of the length of thedispenser section L_(D) to the length of the carton L_(C) is in therange of about 0.6 to about 0.7 and the dispenser section angle αD is inthe range of about 15° to about 20°.

FIGS. 25-27 illustrate an exemplary method of opening of the carton 490.Referring to FIG. 25, a user can breach the opening flap 475(illustrated in FIG. 23) along the semi-circular line 480 and depressingthe flap 475 at the opening crease line 481 in order to grasp thedispenser section 477. After the opening flap 475 has been breached, thedispenser section 477 may be pulled vertically along the tear lines 474,479 (illustrated in FIG. 23) in the first end panel 492. Then, as shownin FIG. 26, the carton 490 continues to open along the dispenser pattern470 as the dispenser section 477 is pulled vertically along the obliquetear lines 472 in the first upper side panel 424 and the second upperside panel 444. Once the longitudinal tear line 476 is reached, thedispenser section 477 can remain hingedly attached to the carton 490, asshown in FIG. 26. In this configuration, the dispenser section 477 canbe tilted open to remove the containers C from the carton 490 and thentilted back into its original closed orientation to cover the containersC so that they are no longer visible. Alternatively, the dispensersection 477 may be completely separated from the remainder of the carton490.

FIG. 27 illustrates the opened carton 490 with the dispenser section 477removed. The opened carton 490 allows access to and visibility of thecontainers C from the top, both sides, and one end of the carton 490.The carton 490 can be easily carried by the handles 418 in the endpanels 492, 494. Even after opening the carton 490, the carton has highside panels which provide for high strength and rigidity. The carton 490can be stored, for example, inside a refrigerator, and provides easyaccess to, for example, glass or plastic beverage bottles. The 2×6configuration generally will allow the carton 490 to be placed andstored in a door shelf of a refrigerator, if desired. Optionally, thecarton 490 can be placed on another shelf in the refrigerator or onanother surface, where the carton provides easy access to articles fromthe top, both sides, and one end of the carton.

According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, illustrated by FIGS.28-30, a dispenser opening is created in a carton 590 by removing or atleast partially separating a section of both a first side panel 520 anda second side panel 540, and portions of both one end panel 592 and atop panel 530 of the carton 590. When opened, the carton 590 provideseasy access to articles from the top, both sides, and one end of thecarton.

FIG. 28 is a plan view of a blank 508 used to form the carton 590(illustrated in FIG. 29). As shown in FIG. 28, the blank 508 comprises aglue flap 514 foldably attached to a rectangular bottom panel 510 at afirst transverse fold line 516. The bottom panel 510 is foldablyconnected to the first side panel 520 at a second transverse fold line521, the top panel 530 is foldably connected to the first side panel 520at a third transverse fold line 531, and the second side panel 540 isfoldably connected to the top panel 530 at a fourth transverse fold line541. Oppositely disposed bottom end flaps 512 are foldably connected tothe bottom panel 510 at longitudinal fold lines 515. Oppositely disposedtop end flaps 532, 533 are foldably connected to the top panel 530 atlongitudinal fold lines 535. Handle apertures 518 can be included in thebottom end flaps 512.

The first side panel 520 can comprise a first upper side panel 524 and afirst lower side panel 522 foldably connected at a transverse fold line523. Oppositely disposed end flaps 528 and 529 are foldably connected tothe first upper side panel 524 at oblique fold lines 554 and 527,respectively. Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps 526 are foldablyconnected to the first lower side panel 522 at the oblique fold lines554. The second side panel 540 can comprise a second upper side panel544 and a second lower side panel 542 foldably connected at a transversefold line 543. Oppositely disposed end flaps 548 and 549 are foldablyconnected to the second upper side panel 544 at the oblique fold lines554 and 547, respectively. Similarly, oppositely disposed end flaps 546are foldably connected to the second lower side panel 542 at the obliquefold lines 554. The longitudinal fold lines 515, 535 and the obliquefold lines 554, 527, 547 may be straight fold lines, or may be offset atone or more locations to account for, for example, blank thickness.

The blank 508 includes four diamond corners 550. Two are formed in thefirst upper side panel 524, the first lower side panel 522, and the endflaps 526, 528, 529; these two diamond corners 550 are located atopposite ends of the first side panel 520. Similarly, two diamondcorners 550 are formed in the second upper side panel 544, the secondlower side panel 542, and the end flaps 546, 548, 549; these two diamondcorners 550 are located at opposite ends of the second side panel 540.At each of these locations, the diamond corners 550 are defined in partby transverse fold lines 558, 560, V-shaped fold lines 552, 556, and theoblique fold line 554.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a dispenser pattern570 formed in the blank 508 defines a dispenser section 577. Thedispenser pattern 570 can be generally similar in shape, constructionand operation to the dispenser pattern 470 illustrated in FIG. 22, andcomprises tear lines 572, 574, 576, 579, 580 and a crease line 581. Thedispenser pattern 570 further defines an opening section or flap 575within the dispenser section 577. For a carton with a length L_(C), thelength of the dispenser section L_(E) may be determined by the distancebetween the longitudinal tear line 576 and the longitudinal fold line535.

The exemplary methods discussed above for erecting cartons can be usedto erect the carton 590. FIG. 29 illustrates the erected carton 590filled with containers C (not visible in FIG. 29) in a 2×6 orientation.The ends of the carton 590 are closed by a first end panel 592 and asecond end panel 594. The dispenser section 577 extends across the toppanel 530, the side panels 520, 540, and the end panel 592. The openingflap 575, the tear lines 574, the semi-circular tear line 580, thecrease line 581 and the oblique tear lines 579 are located in the firstend panel 592. The oblique tear line 572 is located in the first upperside panel 524; a similar oblique tear line 572 is located in the secondupper side panel 544 (illustrated in FIG. 28).

FIG. 29 illustrates the relationship of the length of the dispensersection L_(E) to the length L_(C) of the carton 590, and a dispensersection angle αE between the oblique tear lines 572 and the plane of thetop panel 530. According to one aspect of the present embodiment, theratio of the length of the dispenser section L_(E) to the length of thecarton L_(C), and the dispenser section angle αE, may be selected toprovide access to selected containers C within the carton 590 (shown inFIG. 30). In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27-30, theratio of the length of the dispenser section L_(E) to the length of thecarton L_(C) is in the range of about 0.3 to about 0.4. The dispensersection angle αE is in the range of about 25° to about 30°.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate an exemplary method of opening of the carton590. Referring to FIG. 29, a user can breach the opening flap 575 alongthe semi-circular tear line 580 and/or the crease line 581 in order tograsp the dispenser section 577. After the opening flap 575 has beenbreached, the dispenser section 577 may be separated from the remainderof the carton 590 along the dispenser pattern 570. Once the longitudinalline 576 is reached, the dispenser section 577 can remain hingedlyattached to the carton 590. Alternatively, the dispenser section 577 maybe pulled horizontally, completely removing the dispenser section 577from the remainder of the carton 590.

FIG. 30 illustrates the opened carton and dispensing feature with thedispenser section 577 removed. The opened carton 590 allows access toand visibility of the containers C from the top, both sides, and one endof the carton 590. The carton 590 can be easily carried by the handleapertures 518 in the end panels 592, 594 of the carton 590. The carton590 has high side panels that provide for high strength and rigidityeven after the carton 590 is opened.

The lengths L_(D) and L_(E) of the dispenser sections 477 and 577,respectively, illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 29 can be varied to providedifferent dispensing properties to the cartons 490, 590. At the upperlimit, the dispenser lengths L_(D) and L_(E) can be substantially equalto the length of the carton L_(C); in this instance, the dispensingsections span the entire length of the carton. In one aspect of thepresent invention, the ratio of the length of a dispenser section to thelength of a carton can range from about 0.2 to 0.9. In another aspect,the ratio of the length of a dispenser section to the length of a cartoncan range from about 0.3 to 0.7. The dispenser section angles αD and αEillustrated in FIGS. 24 and 29 can range from about 10° to about 70°. Inanother aspect of the present invention, the dispenser section angle canrange from about 15° to about 55°. In yet another aspect, the dispensersection angle can range from about 15° to about 45°.

In the above embodiments, the cartons are shown as accommodating“long-necked” glass beverage bottles. Other types of articles, however,can be accommodated within cartons according to the present invention.These articles can include beverage containers such as plastics bottles,metal cans, as well as other containers that can be generallycylindrical in shape, such as those used in packaging foodstuffs. Thedimensions of the blanks and corresponding cartons formed from theblanks may also be altered, for example, to accommodate variouscontainer forms, shapes, sizes, or quantities.

For purposes of illustrating the various embodiments of the presentinvention, the cartons illustrated above are sized and dimensioned tocontain 12 articles or containers in a 2×6 or 3×4 configuration. Thepresent invention is not limited to any specific size, dimension, orgeometry of carton. For example, the present invention would worksatisfactorily if sized and shaped to hold articles of otherconfigurations, such as 4×3, 2×4, 2×5, 4×6, 4×5, 3×6, 5×6, 6×2, etc.

The cartons of the exemplary embodiments include four diamond corners.The term “diamond corner” as used in this specification does notnecessarily indicate a perfect geometric “diamond” shape. To thecontrary, the diamond corners disclosed in this specification have ageneral diamond shape as generally known in the art.

In the exemplary embodiments discussed above, the blanks can be formedfrom clay-coated newsprint (CCN). In general, the blanks can beconstructed of paperboard, having a caliper of at least about 14 points,so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. For example,caliper of the blank can be in the range of about 16 to about 22 point.The blanks, and thus the cartons, can also be constructed of othermaterials, such as cardboard, or any other material having propertiessuitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally asdescribed above. The first and second sides of the blanks can be coatedwith, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printedover with product, advertising, price coding, and other information orimages. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect anyinformation printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with,for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of theblanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or moresheet-like materials at selected panels, panel sections, or the entireblank. Non-limiting examples of sheet-like materials can includedecorative films, protective films, barrier films, or other types ofplastic films of compositions appropriate for their intended use.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be anysubstantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form ofweakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, butnot for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention,fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a bluntscoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in thematerial along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extendspartially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or aseries of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through thematerial along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations ofthese features.

A tear line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarilystraight, form of weakening that facilitates tearing therealong.Specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of thepresent invention, tear lines include: a cut that extends partially intothe material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cutsthat extend partially into and/or completely through the material alongthe desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features.As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of aseries of cuts that extend completely through the material, withadjacent cuts being spaced apart slightly so that small somewhatbridge-like pieces of the material (e.g., ‘nicks’) are defined betweenadjacent cuts. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line.Such a tear line that includes nicks can also be referred to as a cutline, since the nicks typically are a relatively small in relation tothe cuts.

The term “line” as used herein includes not only straight lines, butalso other types of lines such as curved, curvilinear or angularlydisplaced lines, and combinations of adjacent line segments.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or panels adheredtogether by glue. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner ofadhesives commonly used to secure paperboard carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes thepresent invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes onlyselected embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood thatthe invention is capable of use in various other combinations,modifications, and environments and is capable of changes ormodifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressedherein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skillor knowledge of the relevant art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carton for holding a plurality of articles, thecarton comprising: a bottom panel; a first side panel comprising a firstlower side panel and a first upper side panel foldably connected at afirst transverse fold line, the first transverse fold line extendingacross the first side panel; a second side panel comprising a secondlower side panel and a second upper side panel foldably connected at asecond transverse fold line, the second transverse fold line extendingacross the second side panel; a top panel foldably connected to thefirst side panel and the second side panel; a first end panel; and asecond end panel, the carton has a centerline between the first endpanel and the second end panel extending through the top panel, thefirst side panel, and the second side panel, wherein a dispenser patterndefines a dispenser section at least in the first upper side panel, thetop panel, the second upper side panel, and the first end panel; whereinthe first end panel comprises a plurality of end flaps, the plurality ofend flaps comprising a first upper side end flap foldably connected tothe first upper side panel; wherein the dispenser pattern comprises afirst tear line in the first upper side end flap extending from a freeedge of the first upper side end flap and connected to a first obliquetear line in the first upper side panel extending from the first tearline to the top panel, at least a portion of the first oblique tear lineextending beyond the centerline.
 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein thedispenser pattern comprises a second oblique tear line extending throughthe second upper side panel, at least a portion of the second obliquetear line extending beyond the centerline.
 3. The carton of claim 2,wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a top tear line extendingthrough the top panel and connecting the first and second oblique tearlines.
 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the plurality of end flaps ofthe first end panel further comprises a second side end flap foldablyconnected to the second side panel, and a top end flap foldablyconnected to the top panel.
 5. The carton of claim 4, wherein thedispenser pattern further comprises a tear line extending through thesecond side end flap.
 6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the second sideend flap is a second upper side end flap foldably connected to thesecond upper side panel.
 7. The carton of claim 5, wherein the dispenserpattern comprises a tear line extending through the top end flap.
 8. Thecarton of claim 7, wherein the tear line in the top end flap extendsacross the entire width of the top end flap.
 9. The carton of claim 8,wherein the top end flap includes a first lateral edge and a secondlateral edge that are spaced apart by the width of the top end flap, thetear line in the top end flap extends from the first lateral edge to thesecond lateral edge.
 10. The carton of claim 3, wherein the dispensersection extends into the top panel a length L, the carton has a lengthL_(C), and wherein L/L_(C) is at least about 0.6.
 11. The carton ofclaim 1, wherein the first end panel is connected to the first sidepanel at a first diamond corner and connected to the second side panelat a second diamond corner.
 12. The carton of claim 1, wherein thebottom panel is wider than the top panel.
 13. The carton of claim 1,further comprising a first handle formed in the first end panel and asecond handle formed in the second end panel.
 14. The carton of claim 1,wherein the top panel is foldably connected to the first side panel at afirst fold line, the top panel is foldably connected to the second sidepanel at a second fold line, wherein the dispenser portion comprises atear line in the top panel extending from the intersection of the firstfold line and the first oblique tear line to the second fold line. 15.The carton of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of end flaps of the firstend panel further comprise a first top end flap foldably connected tothe top panel and a first bottom end flap foldably connected to thebottom panel; the second end panel comprises a plurality of end flaps,the plurality of end flaps comprising a second top end flap foldablyconnected to the top panel and a second bottom end flap foldablyconnected to the bottom panel; the first top end flap is arrangedadjacent the first bottom end flap and includes a portion of thedispenser section defined therein, and the second top end flap isarranged adjacent the second bottom end flap; and the carton furthercomprising a first handle formed in the first bottom end flap oppositethe dispenser section and a second handle formed in the second bottomend flap.
 16. The carton of claim 15, wherein the first and secondhandles have elongated openings with respective central axessubstantially parallel to the top panel.
 17. A blank for forming acarton, the blank comprising: a bottom panel; a first side panelcomprising a first lower side panel and a first upper side panelfoldably connected at a first transverse fold line, the first transversefold line extending across the first side panel; a second side panelcomprising a second lower side panel and a second upper side panelfoldably connected at a second transverse fold line, the secondtransverse fold line extending across the second side panel; a top panelfoldably connected to the first side panel and the second side panel,wherein the blank has a longitudinal centerline through the top panel,the first side panel, and the second side panel; and a plurality of endflaps extending along a first marginal area of the blank; wherein adispenser pattern defines a dispenser section at least in the firstupper side panel, the top panel, the second upper side panel, and atleast one end flap of the plurality of end flaps; wherein the pluralityof end flaps comprise a first upper side end flap foldably connected tothe first upper side panel; wherein the dispenser pattern comprises afirst tear line in the first upper side end flap extending from a freeedge of the first upper side end flap and connected to a first obliquetear line in the first upper side panel extending from the first tearline to the top panel, at least a portion of the first oblique tear lineextending beyond the longitudinal centerline.
 18. The blank of claim 17,wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a second oblique tear lineextending through the second upper side panel, at least a portion of thesecond oblique tear line extending beyond the longitudinal centerline.19. The blank of claim 18, wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a toptear line extending through the top panel and connecting the first andsecond oblique tear lines.
 20. The blank of claim 19, wherein theplurality of end flaps further comprise a second side end flap foldablyconnected to the second side panel, and a top end flap foldablyconnected to the top panel.
 21. The blank of claim 20, wherein thedispenser pattern further comprises a tear line extending through thesecond side end flap.
 22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the second sideend flap is an upper side end flap foldably connected to the secondupper side panel.
 23. The blank of claim 21, wherein the dispenserpattern comprises a tear line extending through the top end flap. 24.The blank of claim 19, wherein the dispenser section extends into thetop panel a length L, the top panel has a length L_(C), and whereinL/L_(C) is at least about 0.6.
 25. The blank of claim 17, wherein thetop panel is foldably connected to the first side panel at a first foldline, the top panel is foldably connected to the second side panel at asecond fold line, wherein the dispenser portion comprises a tear line inthe top panel extending from the intersection of the first fold line andthe first oblique tear line to the second fold line.
 26. The blank ofclaim 23, wherein the tear line in the top end flap extends across theentire width of the top end flap.
 27. The blank of claim 26, wherein thetop end flap includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edgethat are spaced apart by the width of the top end flap, the tear line inthe top end flap extends from the first lateral edge to the secondlateral edge.